According to the Chinese zodiac, the 10th February 2024 is the start of the Year of Wood Dragon.
We thought we’d bring you a few facts linked to Chinese astrology and history at the start of this auspicious year.
Twelve animals
There are 12 animals linked to the Chinese zodiac, rotating in a 12-year cycle that links each year to an animal sign. The Dragon (龍) is fifth in the cycle, preceded by the Rat (鼠), Ox (牛), Tiger (虎) and Rabbit (兔); and followed by the Snake (蛇), Horse (馬), Sheep (羊), Monkey (猴), Rooster (雞), Dog (狗) and Pig (豬).
Why Wood?
Chinese cosmology also includes five basic elements that interact with each other and the twelve animals. This results in a a 60-year cycle. The five elements are Wood (木), Water (水), Fire (火), Metal (金) and Earth (土). According to cosmology, the combination of elements and animals affects all things, including medicine and philosophy.
Gold and blue
Gold is the colour for babies born in the Year of the Dragon in 2024. This colour links to the sun and signifies honour, success, wealth and honour. Blue is the general colour for dragons, as it links to energy and vibrancy. It is thought that wearing gold and blue may help increase one’s luck in 2024. Wearing yellow and blue clothes and having yellow and blue furnishings could be the way to go!
Predictions for babies born in the Year of the Wood Dragon
For people who conceived in May 2023, they will be the first to have babies born in the Year of the Wood Dragon. According to the Chinese zodiac, they will have traits linked to the dragon. These include charisma, confidence, enthusiasm, ambition and power. Many people want to have a baby in this lunar year, simply based on these predictions. This is has even been mentioned at a national level, with the Prime Minister of Singapore publicly stating “Now is a time to add a 'little dragon' to your family”. I
Regardless of the time of conception though, if you think you are destined for greatness and good fortune, this can become self-fulfilling prophecy.
Chinese history and dragons
China has always had a link to dragons due to their symbolizing strength and potency. As such, the dragon was the symbol of many Chinese emperors. In Chinese folklore, some people consider themselves as descendants of the dragon.
For Westerners, it is important to note that Chinese dragons are not considered as the scary cave-dwelling beasts portrayed by Tolkien. Rather, they are considered to live in the sky and are very lucky and auspicious.
Dragons and dogs
Apparently dragons don’t get on with dogs. Therefore, as a general rule, avoiding anything to do with canines seems to be important this year. This includes wearing any clothing or jewelry that features a dog may not be a good idea.
Previous dragons
Previous Years of the Dragon include: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012. For IVF babies, since the first world's first IVF baby was born in 1978, IVF dragons could only have been born in 1988, 2000 and 2012.